Parts Usually Used

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Nymphaea odorata: White pond lily is an aquatic perennial
plant; its little-branched, large, spongy, fleshy rootstock produces
large orbicular or oblong-orbicular, entire leaves that float on the
surface of the water, leaf notched at the base. They are dark green
on top and mostly purplish underneath. The sweetly fragrant, large,
many-petaled white flowers, 5 inches across, bloom above the water
for 3 days, opening in the forenoon each day. Flowering time is from
June to September.

Nymphaea tuberosa:CAUTION:
Do not mistake the white pond lily (N. odorata) for the tuberous water
lily (N. tuberosa), which can cause poisoning. The poisonous plant
can be distinguished by its tuberous rootstock and odorless (or nearly
so) flowers.

Another variety: Nuphar polysepalum is also called pond lily.
On Klamath Marsh are about 10,000 acres of this great golden water
lily. It was formerly harvested by the Native American women with
dugouts poling slowly along, and pulling the pods off their stems.
The days harvest was brought to shore and emptied into a hole where
fermentation ensued for weeks or until the end of the season, when
the heap was stirred up and the best seeds brought up and dried and
subsequently roasted. When ground, these seeds make a fine cereal,
but the preparation is difficult. "Wokas", Klamath is the name.

The Water Lily of China is Euryal ferox, called Ch'ien-shih.
Used medicinally for gonorrhea, spermatorrhea, polyuria, etc.

Medicinal Properties

Legends, Myths and Stories

Nymphaea odorata: The water lily takes its genus name, Nymphaea,
from the Greek numphe, meaning "water nymph" or "virgin". The Greeks
are said to have given the flower this name because of its reputed
anti-aphrodisiac qualities. Poets and artists through the ages have
also associated a virginal aloofness with water lilies, especially
the white-flowered ones. The plant has often been used as a symbol
of purity and chastity, for the water lily flower holds itself erect
as if disdaining to touch the murky water surrounding it.

As long as 5,000 years ago, the lotus flower, whose different varieties
are members of the water lily family, was one of the most important
symbolic and religious plants in both the Near East and the Orient.
In Egypt the lotus symbolized the fertility of the rich soil of the
Nile's yearly inundation on which the prosperity of Egypt depended.
Lotus blossoms were often placed on statues of Osiris, the god of
vegetation and regeneration. The lotus was also a symbol of immortality,
an attribute to both Osiris and his son Horus, god of light and the
sun. Horus is sometimes pictured in Egyptian art sitting on a lotus
blossom. In Persia the lotus also symbolized the sun and light.

The lotus has similarly been a major symbol in the culture of India.
Brahma, the Hindu god who created the universe, issued forth out of
a lotus blossom and, like the Egyptian Horus, is often pictured sitting
on the flower. Many of India's spiritual ideas are linked with the
lotus. For example, the state of samadhi, or spiritual ecstasy, in
yoga is represented by a thousand-petaled lotus flower. Indian Buddhists
claim the lotus for a symbol of Buddha also, because the flower is
supposed to have sprung up to announce his birth. Chinese Buddhists
consider the lotus as Buddha's footprint, and their concept of heaven
features a sacred lake of lotuses.

The Mayas of Central America and Mexico revered the water lily growing
in their region as the sacred symbol of the earth.

The flowers of the yellow species of water lily possess an odor similar
to that of brandy; and the roots, if moistened with milk, are said
by Linnaeus to destroy crickets and cockroaches.

Culpeper says of water lilies; "Of water-lilies. They are cold and
dry, and stop lust: I never dived so deep to find what virtue the
roots have."

Uses

Nymphaea odorata: This is one of the old-fashioned remedies.
Used as a douche for leukorrhea, treats diarrhea,
bowel complaints, scrofula, inflamed
tissues in various parts of the body, and for bronchial
troubles. Used for dropsy, kidney troubles, catarrh of the bladder,
or irritations of the prostate. Heals
inflamed gums. Externally, a poultice made for painful swellings,
boils, ulcers,
wounds, and cuts. Apply
the powdered root, combined with flaxseed, as a poultice. A tea made
from the root makes a good gargle for irritation and/or inflammation
in the mouth and throat,
used as an eyewash,
and a vaginal douche. As a lotion, it helps heal sores,
makes skin soft and smooth. Both root and leaves are sometimes made
into poultices for wounds, cuts, and bruises. Native Americans used
root tea for coughs, tuberculosis
(TB), inflamed glands,
mouth sores, to stop bleeding. A folk tradition, a mixture of root
and lemon juice was used to remove freckles and pimples.

Warning

Nymphaea odorata: Large doses may be toxic.

Nymphaea tuberosa:CAUTION:
Do not mistake the white pond lily (N. odorata) for the tuberous water
lily (N. tuberosa), which can cause poisoning. The poisonous plant
can be distinguished by its tuberous rootstock and odorless (or nearly
so) flowers.